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The April 8 ballot for Greene County includes candidates and/or issues in nine cities. And the county’s clerk, Richard Struckhoff, is reminding residents who aren’t registered to vote next month that they have until Wednesday to do so.
"Those who are not registered can apply at any one of our many permanent voter registration locations, including schools, libraries, colleges, city halls, and here at the historic courthouse," Struckhoff said. Mail-in (postcard) registrations will also be accepted if they are postmarked by March 12.
In Springfield, citizens will be asked whether or not they want to repeal the pension sales tax imposed at the rate of three-quarters of one percent. The tax provides revenues for the Springfield Police and Firefighters Pension System.
According to the City of Springfield, the proposal before voters is a renewal of the existing sales tax with no additional cost to taxpayers. A “yes” vote ends the tax, while a “no” vote continues the tax.
At one time underfunded by $200 million, voters approved the pension tax in 2009. It is now 67 percent funded, and the city says if passed again in April, the pension plan could be fully funded by 2019 or sooner.
Other ballot items in Greene County call for appointments to local city councils, school boards, and fire protection districts. See sample ballots online through the Greene County clerk’s office.